Lock-head key



June 25, 1929. G. H. BRAWNER 1.718.408

LOCK HEAD KEY Filed Sept. 29, 1927 A TTORNE Y.

Patented June 25, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE H. BRAWNER, OF DALLAS, TEXAS, ASSIGNOR 0F ONE-HALF TO MYER RABINO- WITZ AND BEN RABINOWITZ, BOTH OF DALLAS, TEXAS.

LOCK-HEAD KEY.

Application filed September 29, 1927.

This invention relates to locking pins and it refers more particularly to a lock head pin or key, and the principal object of the invention resides in the provision of a key of the character specified for positively locking the hexagon nut, preferably, onto a bolt, in the many places where such a combination is employed.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a lock head key which may be quickly and conveniently inserted in place and locked from a single point of advantage in cases where obstructions are present to render it diflicult to secure from the opposite side, such as required in using the well known cotter key.

The invention further comprehends the provision of a key as specified, of inexpensive and compact construction, which, when operatively in place, has no irregular protrusions as a hindrance to mechanics and others, and a key which may be used in the many places where the cotter key is used.

With the foregoing objects as paramount, the invention has particular reference to other lesser objects, as well as certain salient features of construction, which will become manifest as the description proceeds, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein Figure 1 represents an elevational view of a nut and bolt illustrating the operative relationship therewith of the invention.

Figure 2 is an elevational view partly in section showing the manner in which the invention engages and locks the nut relative to the bolt.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the combination, and

Figure 4 is a plan view of the nutand bolt suggested in broken lines, showing the improved lock head pin preparatory to and after locking in place.

The construction and uses of the cotter key is well known to the art, and the invention proposes a key, which may parallel the uses and requirements of the cotter key, yet affording a more positive locking means having no objectional protruding legs which frequently scratch and otherwise injure the hands of the mechanic, the protruding parts it may have when operatively in place being of a smooth nature and unlikely to form a snag.

Serial No. 222,729.

lVith the foregoing in view, reference is made primarily to Figure 4, wherein is shown the preferred form of the invention in solid lines, and is composed of pin 1, having arm 2, the ends of which latter are turned slightly downward, as indicated at a. The invention is composed of a single piece of material, preferably of a soft variety, and substantially T-shaped.

In Figure 3, a perspective view, the invention is shown operatiwely applied, as looking a hexagon castle nut 3 on a conven tional bolt 4. In cases where this combination is required, the bolt 4 is most generally apertured for the reception of some char-- acter of locking means, consequently, it is unnecessary that the bolt be specially apertured in order that the invention may be applicable.

The leg or pin 1 of the invention is inserted into the aperture 5 laterally through the bolt 4, near its end, after first alining the aperture with one of the recesses in the nut. An example of this operation may be seen'in Figures 2, 3 and 4. After this is done, it is required simply to strike the remote ends of the arms 2 a blow with a hammer or similar tool, to drive the downwardly turned ends a of the arms into the recesses between the castellations of the nut 3. The nut is thus positively locked against forward or reverse movement on the bolt, and remains so until the head of the invention, consisting of the arms 2 is enga ed by a suit able tool and turned abruptly upward to escape the castellations on the nut, to permit the pin 1 to be withdrawn.

It is very obvious from the improved locking key may be used in every case where'the cotter key is used, and especially is it valuable in inaccessible places where one side only of the nut 3 is exposed, as mentioned previously. When such a condition is encountered, it is required only to insert the key and hammer down the opposing ends of the arms 2. In using the cotter key, spreading of the legs is required, which is not always easy to do. Moreover, it is not essential that the pin 1 extend entirely through the bolt for effectiveness, it being only necessary that the same be of such length as to hold the key in place.

It should be understood that it is not desired that the invention be limited to the the foregoing that specific disclosure herein set forth and that certain minor changes and modifications may be resorted to from time to time without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim: I

1. A device of the character described for operatively locking a castellated nut on a bolt comprising a substantially T shaped unit, the leg of which is capable of insertion through a diametrical opening in said bolt in register with the openings between the cast-ellations of said nut, the arms or said unit arranged to be bent about the head of said nut in such manner as toallow the tips thereof to enter between adjacent castellations on said nut and thus hold the same against rotation on said bolt.

2. A device of the character described for locking a castellated nut against rotation on a. bolt comprising a substantially T shaped unit capable of insertion through a diametri- GEORGE H. BRAWNER. 

